Volume 2 Chapter 31 (1/2)
Chapter 2 Episode 31
Editor: (Tan)
Day 176 day after being summoned to another world: (Decisive Battle 3)
The Sun rises above the horizon, marked the seventh day since the mission started. Princess Lupis’ main force are supposed to arrive today.
Ryouma stood by the Thaves river bank and looked toward the opposite sh.o.r.e.
He sees the first group, led by Elena, is about to cross the river.
”Nothing happened, huh...”
”Indeed... I was expecting a night raid, but Duke Gerhardt did not make any move. I wonder what happened...”
Sara’s remark left Ryouma pondering.
Judging from the result of the battle against Kyle, it was a logical to think that Duke Gerhardt would want to retaliate.
However, the enemy's main army never show up.
Last night, Ryouma and co braced themselves for a possible night raid from the enemy’s main force. The troops were on high alert all night, but nothing happened in the end.
And now Princess Lupis’ main force has arrived as scheduled.
”Could it be because of the rumor Ryouma-sama spreaded?”
”Indeed. While I’m positive that the rumour will have a significant effect, there is no way that this alone would reduce the total number of enemy to zero. At most, I expect no more than 30% reduction in enemy force.”
Just like Sara had pointed out, the rumor Ryouma spreaded was effective.
However, there are still many measures Duke Gerhardt can use to recruit soldiers.
He can threaten with brute force,
Offer them with money,
Or perhaps a combination of both.
Some peasants would be forced to join despite their reluctance.
Of course, the rumor can reduce their numbers. However, not to the point where the Duke cannot recruit at all.
Ryouma does not doubt the effectiveness of his strategy. He is simply being realistic.
”Is there still no movement at Irachion?”
”Yes, the reconnaissance unit is keeping the city under close monitor. If they make any movement, then we should know about it right away.”
”If they were planning to attack us while our main force is in the middle of crossing the river then, they won't arrive here in time if they don't depart now.”
Toward Sara's answer, Ryouma looked puzzled.
”If that is the case, then... Are they trying to attack us on the plain?”
”Decisive Battle, huh?”
Between Ryouma's camping location and Irachion, there's a field sandwiched in between two forests.
The plain area is especially large, as it is a place where wheat is produced.
Within Rozeria Kingdom, Irachion is one of the most resourceful territory that generates a lot of income.
However, it would undoubtedly turn into ash if the land becomes the battlefield.
But looking at the Duke's movement, it is likely that he plans to use this place for the decisive battle.
If Princess Lupis’ main force can cross the river without any intervention, then there is nothing else the Duke can do to cause Ryouma worry.
The plain is a perfect place to organise a large army. However, considering the consequent of the battle, there is no doubt that this valuable land will be severely damaged. It is a terrible place to hold a battle from a country-governing perspective.
Thinking that, Ryouma felt something was off.
(This is too fishy... I feel something is wrong... As if someone is pulling the strings from behind the scene...)
The more Ryouma thinks about the situation, the more he becomes suspicious.
(But... Looking at the Duke's movement, It feels like he is not exactly aiming for the win... What's going on...?)
”Ryouma-sama?”
Sara called out Ryouma’s name as he s.p.a.ced out.
”Ah... My bad, I have something in mind...”
”No, if I'm in the way, should I leave?”
”Don't worry about it. It was something trivial anyway... Has Sara considered the possibility that this could turn into a siege battle?”
Ryouma changed the topic.
(I guess I might have overthink this, huh? I should forget about it for now, until things go sour......)
Ryouma calculated the possible gains and losses in his mind while giving Sara a question.
”Siege battle? I think that’s very unlikely.”
Smile appeared on Ryouma's face after hearing Sara's response.
From the start, Ryouma has never considered that possibility at all.
Because judging by the city scale, it is impossible to host the tens of thousands of soldiers.
In other words, the city does not have sufficient power to maintain even if they managed to gather the soldiers.
Ryouma predicted that they can hold up to half a month at most.
”It would be impossible to fight Princess Lupis from inside the city alone. If we include the citizen and the soldiers, they will run out of supplies by around the end of the month.”
Sara continued.
A siege battle would be difficult without using a large number of troops.
However, supplies would run out if they gathered too much.
In the end, Duke Gerhardt can only use maximum force to wage a short battle.
However, the same can be said for Princess Lupis too.
Feeling satisfied, Ryouma nodded toward Sara's words with a smile.
In the past several months, the sisters have shown considerable improvement at strategy and a.n.a.lysis.
By improving in this area, Ryouma’s chance of survival has increased as well.
”Ryouma-sama! Elena-sama and her unit of 3,000 Knights have crossed the river.”
”Understood. Please guide Elena-san to my tent, and tell the others to rest.”
After instructing the reporting Knight, Ryouma returned to his tent with Sara.
This is where the real deal begins...
---------------------------------------------------------
”You've completed an impossible feat... To create such impressive fortification...”
Elena had nothing but words of admiration for Ryouma.
”It was nothing praiseworthy...”
”A humble one, aren’t you? At least, this isn’t something I can do.. I’m sure her highness the princess would be very surprised too.”
Ryouma shrugged his shoulders as Elena continued to shower him with praises.
”On the contrary, I'm afraid that I might have disappointed the princess intead...”
Elena showed a perplexed expression.
As far as Elena see, this was the best result they could have hoped for. Why would the princess be disappointed?
The answer is, there is one small flaw in what otherwise was a perfect result.
That one flaw is the loss of Mikhail Banashu.
Ryouma decided to report everything to Elena.
There is no use in keeping it a secret, as it would only raise her suspicion and eventually lose her trust afterwards.
”I see... so Mikhail is...”
”Well I've not confirmed his dead body yet, but at least I've not seen him since the reconnaissance mission... While he made a grave mistake of ignoring my order, since he is the Princess’ aide......”
Elena sighed involuntarily.
(This is bad... Indeed, this could turn into a big problem...)
She feels Ryouma’s concern is very justified.
Since Mikhail was the one who found Ryouma, the princess a.s.signed him to supervise the newcomer by working closely under Ryouma.
With Princess Lupis entrusting the control of her soldiers with Ryouma, she cannot risk any possibility of betrayal.
Other than Meltina, Mikhail is the only other person with the same level of loyalty that can be relied on.
That is why Princess Lupis trusts Mikhail.
Even though it was Mikhail fault for neglecting orders, the fact remains that he died under Ryouma's command.
Despite no clear confirmation of his death, the probability of being alive is rather bleak.
Regardless of the battle outcome, from the princess’ perspective, she has lost an important servant.
If the princess can understand that this is a result of war, then there would be no problem.
However, in the worst case scenario, she might think it was Ryouma who killed Mikhail instead.
”I sure hope I’m overthinking this.”
Elena wished she could tell him “yes” right away. However, this matter is far too complicated to simply laugh it off.